COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : USC : Freshman Walters Might Get Start

Shawn Walters, the No. 3 tailback, might start against Oregon on Saturday at Eugene, Coach John Robinson said. Freshman David Dotson has started every game since Dwight McFadden broke his ankle in the season opener, and sophomore Scott Fields has been the backup.

Walters, a 225-pound freshman from Arlington, Tex., gained 52 yards in five carries at Arizona and took over as the team’s rushing leader, passing Dotson.

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The starting time for USC’s homecoming game against Oregon State on Oct. 16 has been changed to 3:30 p.m.

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Robinson, on the versatility of fullback Deon Strother, a converted tailback:

“When we asked him to play fullback, he blinked. Then we told him we’d throw him a lot of passes and make him a star. But we didn’t have to tell him that. Some guys just like to compete.

“He’s not like the guy who comes to your house and says: ‘I only do dry wall, not wallpaper.’ You give Strother a position, and he just says: ‘Great.’ ”